[I have since been informed by “Joseph” that the publication is not technically put out by the Democratic Party. According to wikipedia; The Nation is a weekly[1]United Statesperiodical devoted to politics and culture, self-described as “the flagship of the left.”[2] Founded on July 6, 1865 at the start of Reconstruction as a supporter of the victorious North in the American Civil War, it is the oldest continuously published weekly magazine in the US. It is published by the Nation Company, L.P. at 33 Irving Place, New York City.]

He went on to read the following announcement from Share International which was released over the PRNewswire on January 22 and is currently showcased in The Nation magazine.

I don’t know if this was a news item the magazine wanted to highlight or if it was a paid advertisement. I suspect it is a paid advertisement.

Even if it was a paid advertisement, it is remarkable to me, given the message proclaims the emergence of a new political religious order that has the solution for the global economic and financial chaos that we currently face, that the democratic party would allow it in their publication unless it is consistent with their agenda.

For over 30 years author, lecturer and artist Benjamin Creme has been preparing the way for the emergence of Maitreya the World Teacher.

On 12 December 2008 Share International distributed a news release announcing that in the very near future a large, bright star will appear in the sky visible throughout the world, night and day. Around a week later Maitreya will give his first interview on major US television.

Since early January 2009 sightings of the star have been reported from Norway, South Africa, the United States, Dubai and Qatar. More and more sightings are now expected. Reports have already appeared in Norwegian newspapers.

A new article by Benjamin Creme’s Master, who is based in the Himalayas, reveals how close we are to witnessing this sign and the historic events which will follow. Maitreya’s first interview will lead to further and more frequent interviews in the USA, Japan and other countries.

Maitreya’s first interview

In the very near future, people everywhere will have the opportunity to witness an extraordinary and significant sign, the like of which has been manifested only once before, at the birth of Jesus. Then, according to Christian teaching, a star appeared in the heavens and led three wise men from the East to the birthplace of Jesus. Soon, once again, a star-like luminary of brilliant power will be seen around the world. What does this mean? How is it possible?

The answer lies in the fact that this mysterious event is a sign, and heralds the beginning of Maitreya’s open mission. Soon after the sign appears in our skies, Maitreya will give His first media interview on American television.

On that open, public occasion, still unannounced as Maitreya, the World Teacher will present His views on the economic and financial chaos which now grips the world. He will explain its origins and final outcome, and present, to some extent, His recipe for amelioration of the present heavy burden on the poor of the world. Thus He will prepare the way for a more detailed and specific announcement of His ideas.

How will viewers respond? They will not know His background or status. Will they listen to and consider His words? It is too soon to know exactly but the following may be said: never before will they have seen or heard Maitreya speak. Nor, while listening, will they have experienced His unique energy, heart to heart. Also, this is a unique time in history with whole nations stunned and apprehensive for the future. Therefore it can be assumed that many who hear His words will be open and eager to hear more. It is not for nothing that Maitreya has waited patiently for this moment to enter the public world; America, for one, would not have responded sooner. Now, for the first time in many years, a new Administration has to cope with financial chaos, unemployment and social unrest on a massive scale. The moment of truth for America and the world has arrived.

Not alone in America but worldwide, people are awakening to the need for and the possibility of change. The politicians and economists call the present situation a ‘downturn’ and a ‘recession’. In truth, we are witnessing the last stumbling steps of the old order. Millions are becoming aware that unbridled competition and greed are not the safest path for men, that such materialistic doctrines create a ‘slippery slope’ for the unwary, and, eventually, the international crisis we have today.

Of course, many people of burgeoning wealth stand clear of the present loss of confidence in the ways which have made them rich, and think it only ‘a matter of time’ until we are back on course and thriving again.

Will they heed Maitreya and recognize the sense of His argument? Lost in their arrogance and self-esteem, possibly not. However, many are less sanguine about a return to the status quo. Many have suffered painful losses and have lost faith in the old methods. The peoples of the nations are ripe and ready for change. They call out for change and a more meaningful life. Maitreya will remind men of the essentials without which there is no future for man: Justice and Peace. And the only way to both is through sharing.”

The Nation Magazine provided a toll free number that people can call to get additional information about the emergeance of Lord Maitreya. 1-888-877-8272 (For those who want to hear the message but don’t want to have your phone number tracked, click on the audio button above)

Maitreya is a bodhisattva who in the Buddhist tradition is to appear on Earth, achieve complete enlightenment, and teach the pure dharma. According to scriptures, Maitreya will be a successor of the historic Śākyamuni Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. The prophecy of the arrival of Maitreya is found in the canonical literature of all Buddhist sects (Theravāda, Mahāyāna, Vajrayāna) and is accepted by most Buddhists as a statement about an actual event that will take place in the distant future.

Share International, which equates Maitreya with the prophesied figures of multiple religious traditions, claims that he is already present in the world, but is preparing to make an open declaration of his presence in the near future. They claim that he is here to inspire mankind to create a new era based on sharing and justice.

We live in very strange times. Why are politicians being referred to as Messiahs and why are political parties now beginning to promote the emergence of religious teachers, leaders and Messiahs?

Could it be that we have reached the pivotal time in the history of the world when it will finally become obvious that Government IS a false religion?

Thats right, government is a religion. Think about it, if government can dictate to you whether you can speak about Jesus Christ in a public place and if you are willing to give them that power over you and obey them, then they are dictating to you how you practice your religion, and you are giving them power and authority over and above the God that you supposedly worship.

As Verlan H. Anderson points out in his book “The Great and Abominable Church of the Devil”, the interlocking governments that rule this world are the Great and Abominable Church of the Devil.

And they use fiat currencies and false economies to control , manipulate and enslave the inhabitants of the world.

Yes, there is a sinister combination of secret organizations in the background that control the governments of the world, and there is a specific secret organization that controls all other secret organizations which is clearly identified in the Book of Mormon.

We will discuss that topic in another article, however today, I want to focus on the topic of “discerning the spirits” because the current and future showcasing of the emergence of Lord Maitreya and other false teachers and false Messiahs by the political and governmental Gods that our Idolatrous society has come to worship and put our faith in is a sign of the times and we need to be spiritually prepared to discern the false spirits that are being unleashed upon the earth.

Maitreya is just one of many false spirits that is about be be unleashed on this unsuspecting generation. This is one more sign that the Marvelous Work and a Wonder is about to come forth!

As time goes on it will become more apparent to those who have the spirit of watching and the spirit of discernment that the political financial and religious events of this day are all merged together.

The perceived need for a Maitreya type messianic teacher in the eyes of the masses has been set up by the global financial meltdown that we are currently experiencing.

We don’t need to wait for the meltdown of the global financial system, it has already taken place.

Rep. Kanjorski broke the code of silence among politicians and explained in vivid detail what happened in September of this year.

There was an electronic run on the banks in which $550 Billion Disappeared in one hour. He admitted that if they had not shut the system down and guaranteed up to $250,000 per account, they project that 5 1/2 Trillion would have been withdrawn by 4:00 that day resulting in the complete decimation of the global economy.

The American and global Economies are currently being artificially propped up. When the plug is finally pulled, the degree of fear, panic and utter chaos that will sweep across the world is beyond words. Surely the masses will embrace any Messianic figure who appears to have the solution to the problems the world faces.

Concerning prophecy and religious deception, the Bible warns: “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).

With that introduction, I want to provide a profound article that was published in the Times and Seasons by Joseph Smith entitled “Try the Spirits”. It is my hope and prayer that this information contained within this article will inspire you to prepare yourself to be able to discern the spirits.

Try the Spirits

Recent occurrences that have transpired amongst us render it an imperative duty devolving upon me to say something in relation to the spirits by which men are actuated. It is evident from the apostle’s writings that many false spirits existed in their day, and have “gone forth into the world,” and that it needed intelligence which God alone could impart to detect false spirits, and to prove what spirits were of God. The world in general have been grossly ignorant in regard to this one thing, and why should they be otherwise. “For no man knows the things of God, but by the spirit of God.” The Egyptians were not able to discover the difference between the miracles of Moses and those of the magicians until they came to be tested together; and if Moses had not appeared in their midst they would unquestionably have thought that the miracles of the magicians were performed through the mighty power of God; for they were great miracles that were performed by them: a supernatural agency was developed; and great power manifested.

The witch of Endor is no less singular a personage; clothed with a powerful agency she raised the prophet Samuel from his grave, and he appeared before the astonished king and revealed unto him his future destiny. Who is to tell whether this woman is of God, and a righteous woman? Or whether the power she possessed was of the devil, and her a witch as represented by the bible? It is easy for us to say now; but if we had lived in her day, which of us could have unraveled the mystery?

It would have been equally as difficult for us to tell by what spirit the prophets prophesied, or by what power the apostles spoke, and worked miracles. Who could have told whether the power of Simon, the sorcerer was of God, or of the devil? There always did in every age seem to be a lack of intelligence pertaining to this subject. Spirits of all kinds have been manifested, in every age and almost amongst all people; if we go among the Pagans they have their spirits, the Mahomedans, the Jews, the Christians, the Indians; all have their spirits, all have a supernatural agency; and all contend that their spirits are of God. Who shall solve the mystery? “Try the spirits,” says John, but who is to do it? The learned, the eloquent, the philosopher, the sage, the divine, all are ignorant. The Heathens will boast of their Gods, and of the great things that have been unfolded by their oracles. The Mussulman will boast of his Koran and of the divine communications that his progenitors have received, and are receiving. The Jews have had numerous instances both ancient and modern among them of men who have professed to be inspired and sent to bring about great events, and the Christian world has not been slow in making up the number.

“Try the spirits;” but what by? Are we to try them by the creeds of men? What preposterous folly, what sheer ignorance, what madness. Try the motions and actions of an eternal being, (for I contend that all spirits are such,) by a thing that was conceived in ignorance, and brought forth in folly. – a cobweb of yesterday. Angels would hide their faces, and devils would be ashamed and insulted and would say, “Paul we know, and Jesus we know, but who are ye.” Let each man or society make a creed and try evil spirits by it and the devil would shake his sides, it is all that he would ask. All that he would desire. Yet many of them do this and hence “many spirits are abroad in the world.”

One great evil is that men are ignorant of the nature of spirits; their power, laws, government, intelligence &c., and imagine that when there is any thing like power, revelation, or vision manifested that it must be of God: – hence the Methodists, Presbyterians, and others frequently possess a spirit that will cause them to lay down, and during its operation animation is frequently entirely suspended; they consider it to be the power of God, and a glorious manifestation from God, – a manifestation of what? – is there any intelligence communicated? Are the curtains of heaven withdrawn, or the purposes of God developed? Have they seen and conversed with an angel; or have the glories of futurity burst upon their view? No! But their body has been inanimate, the operation of their spirit suspended, and all the intelligence that can be obtained from them when they arise, is a shout of glory, or hallelujah, or some incoherent expression; but they have had “the power.”

The Shaker will whirl around on his heel impelled by a supernatural agency, or spirit, and think that he is governed by the spirit of God: and the Jumper will jump, and enter into all kinds of extravagancies, a Primitive Methodist will shout under the influence of that spirit, until he will rend the heavens with his cries; while the Quakers, (or Friends) moved as they think by the spirit of God, will sit still and say nothing. Is God the author of all this? If not of all of it, which does he recognize?

Surely such a heterogeneous mass of confusion never can enter into the kingdom of Heaven. Every one of these professes to be competent to try his neighbor’s spirit, but no one can try his own, and what is the reason? Because they have not a key to unlock, no rule wherewith to measure, and no criterion whereby they can test it; could any one tell the length, breadth, or height of a building without a rule? Test the quality of metals without a criterion, or point out the movements of the planetary system without a knowledge of astronomy? Certainly not: and if such ignorance as this is manifested about a spirit of this kind who can describe an angel of light, if Satan should appear as one in glory? Who can tell his color, his signs, his appearance, his glory?

Or what is the manner of his manifestation? Who can detect the spirit of the French Prophets, with their revelations, and visions, and power, and manifestations? Or who can point out the spirit of the Irvingites with their apostles, and prophets, and visions, and tongues, and interpretations, &c. &c.; or who can drag into day-light and develop the hidden mysteries of the false spirits that so frequently are made manifest among the Latter-Day Saints? We answer that no man can do this without the Priesthood, and having a knowledge of the laws by which spirits are governed; for as, “no man knows the things of God but by the spirit of God,” so no man knows the spirit of the devil and his power and influence but by possessing intelligence which is more than human.

And having unfolded through the medium of the Priesthood the mysterious operations of his devices: without knowing the angelic form, the sanctified look, and gesture, and the zeal that is frequently manifested by him for the glory of God: – together with the prophetic spirit, the gracious influence, the godly appearance, and the holy garb which is so characteristic of his proceedings, and his mysterious windings. A man must have the discerning of spirits, before he can drag into daylight this hellish influence and unfold it unto the world in all its soul destroying, diabolical, and horrid colors: for nothing is a greater injury to the children of men than to be under the influence of a false spirit, when they think they have the spirit of God.

Thousands have felt the influence of its terrible power, and baneful effects: long pilgrimages have been undertaken, penances endure, and pain, misery, and ruin have followed in their train; nations have been convulsed, kingdoms overthrown, provinces laid waste, and blood, carnage, and desolation are the habiliments in which it has been clothed. The Turks, the Hindus, the Jews, the Christians, the Indians, in fact all nations have been deceived, imposed upon and injured through the mischievous effects of false spirits.

As we have noticed before, the great difficulty lays in the ignorance of the nature of spirits, of the laws by which they are governed, and the signs by which they may be known; if it requires the spirit of God, to know the things of God, and the spirit of the devil can only be unmasked through that medium, then it follows as a natural consequence that unless some person, or persons, have a communication or revelation from God, unfolding to them the operation of spirit, they must eternally remain ignorant of these principles: – for I contend that if one man cannot understand these things but by the spirit of God, ten thousand men cannot; it is alike out of the reach of the wisdom of the learned, the tongue of the eloquent, and the power of the mighty. And we shall at last have to come to this conclusion, whatever we may think of revelation, that without it we can neither know, nor understand any thing of God, or the devil; and however unwilling the world may be to acknowledge this principle, it is evident from the multifarious creeds and notions concerning this matter, that they understand nothing of this principle, and it is equally as plain that without a divine communication they must remain in ignorance.

The world always mistook false prophets for true ones, and those that were sent of God they considered to be false prophets; and hence they killed, stoned, punished and imprisoned the true prophets, and they had to hide themselves “in deserts, and dens, and caves of the earth;” and although the most honorable men of the earth, they banished them from their society as vagabonds; whilst they cherished, honored, and supported knaves, vagabonds, hypocrites, imposters and the basest of men.

A man must have the discerning of spirits as we before stated to understand these things, and how is he to obtain this gift if there are no gifts of the spirit? And how can these gifts be obtained without revelation? – “Christ ascended into heaven and gave gifts to men, . . . “and he gave some apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers.” And how were apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, and evangelists chosen? By “prophecy (revelation) and by laying on of hands:” – by a divine communication, and a divinely appointed ordinance – through the medium of the priesthood, organized according to the order of God, by divine appointment.

The apostles in ancient times held the keys of this priesthood – of the mysteries of the kingdom of God, and consequently were enabled to unlock, and unravel all things pertaining to the government of the church, the welfare of society, the future destiny of men, and the agency, power, and influence of spirits; for they could control them at pleasure, bid them depart in the name of Jesus, and detect their mischievous and mysterious operations when trying to palm themselves upon the church in a religious garb, and militate against the interest of the church, and the spread of truth – we read that they “cast out devils in the name of Jesus,” and when a woman possessing the spirit of divination cried before Paul and Silas “these are the servants of the most high God that shew unto us the way of salvation;” they detected the spirit, and although she spake favorably of them Paul commanded the spirit to come out of her, and saved themselves from the opprobrium that might have been heaped upon their heads, through an affiance with her, in the development of her wicked principles: – which they certainly would have been charged with if they had not rebuked the evil spirit.

A power similar to this existed through the medium of the priesthood, in different ages. Moses could detect the magicians’ power and shew that he was God’s servant, he knew when he was upon the mountain (through revelation,) that Israel was engaged in idolatry; he could develope the sin of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, detect witches and wizards in their proceedings, and point out the true prophets of the Lord. Joshua knew how to detect the man who had stolen the wedge of gold and the Babylonish garment, Michaiah could point out the false spirit by which the four hundred prophets were governed; and if his advice had been taken, many lives would have been spared. 2, Chron. xviii, 18. Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and many other prophets possessed this power. Our Savior, the apostles, and even the members of the church were endowed with this gift, for says Paul 1, Cor. xii, “to one is given the gift of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues, to another the working of miracles, to another prophesy, to another the discerning of spirits,” all these proceeded from the same spirit of God, and were the gifts of God. The Ephesian church were enabled by this principle “to try those that said they were apostles, and were not and found them liars.” Rev. ii, 2.

In tracing the thing to the foundation, and looking at it philosophically we shall find a very material difference between the body and the spirit: – the body is supposed to be organized matter, and the spirit by many is thought to be immaterial, without substance. With this latter statement we should beg leave to differ – and state that spirit is a substance; that it is material, but that it is more pure, elastic, and refined matter than the body; – that it existed before the body, can exist in the body, and will exist separate from the body, when the body will be moldering in the dust; and will in the resurrection to again united with it.

Without attempting to describe this mysterious connection and the laws that govern the body and spirit of man; their relationship to each other, and the design of God in relation to the human body and spirit, I would just remark that the spirits of men are eternal, that they are governed by the same priesthood that Abraham, Melchizedec, and the apostles were; that they are organized according to that priesthood which is everlasting, “without beginning of days or end of years” – that they all move in their respective spheres, and are governed by the law of God; – that when they appear upon earth they are in a probationary state, and are preparing if righteous, for a future and a greater glory: – that the spirits of good men cannot interfere with the wicked beyond their prescribed bounds; for “Michael the archangel dared not bring a railing accusation against the devil, but said the Lord rebuke thee Satan.”

It would seem also that wicked spirits have their bounds, limits, and laws by which they are governed or controlled, and know their future destiny; hence those that were in the maniac said to our Savior, “art thou come to torment us before the time:” – and when Satan presented himself before the Lord among the sons of God, he said that he came “from going to and fro in the earth, and from wandering up and down in it;” and he is emphatically called the prince of the power of the air; and it is very evident that they possess a power that none but those who have the priesthood can control, as we have before adverted to in the case of the sons of Sceva.

Having said so much upon general principles without referring to the peculiar situation, power, and influence of, the magicians of Egypt, the wizards, and witches of the Jews, the oracles of the Heathen; their necromancers, soothsayers, and astrologers; the maniacs of those possessed of devils in the apostles’ days, we will notice and try to detect (so far as we have the scriptures for our aid) some few instances of the development of false spirits in more modern times, and in this our day.

The “French Prophets,” were possessed of a spirit that deceived; they existed in Vivatis, and Dauphiny in great numbers in the year 1688, there were many boys, and girls from seven to twenty-five; they had strange fits as in tremblings, and faintings, which made them stretch out their legs and arms as in a swoon; they remained awhile in trances and coming out of them uttered all that came into their mouths. [See Buck’s Theological Dictionary.] Now God never had any prophets that acted this way; there was nothing indecorous in the proceeding of the Lord’s prophets in any age; neither had the apostles, nor prophets in the apostles’ day any thing of this kind. Paul says “ye may all prophesy one by one; – and if any thing be revealed to another let the first hold his peace, for the spirit of the prophets, is subject to the prophets,” but here we find that the prophets are subject to the spirit, and falling down have twitchings, tumblings, and faintings, through the influence of that spirit; being entirely under its control.. Paul says “let every thing be done decently and in order;” but here we find the greatest disorder and indecency in the conduct of both men, and women, as above described. The same rule would apply to the falling, twitchings swooning, shaking, and trances of many of our modern revivalists.

Joannah Southcot professed to be a prophetess and wrote a book of prophesies in 1804: she became the founder of a people that are now extant; she was to bring forth in a place appointed a son that was to be the Messiah, which thing has failed. Independent of this however, where do we read of a woman that was the founder of a church in the word of God? Paul told the women in his day “to keep silence in the church, and that if they wished to know any thing to ask their husbands at home;” he would not suffer a woman “to rule, or to usurp authority in the church;” but here we find a woman the founder of a church, the revelator and guide, the Alpha and Omega, contrary to all acknowledged rule, principle, and order.

Jemimah Wilkinson, was another prophetess that figured largely in America in the last century. She stated that she was taken sick and died, and that her soul went to heaven where it still continues. Soon after her body was reanimated with the spirit and power of Christ, upon which she set up as a public teacher and declared she had an immediate revelation. Now the scriptures positively assert that “Christ is the first fruit, afterwards those that are Christ’s at his coming; then cometh the end.” But Jemimah, according to her testimony died, and rose again before the time mentioned in the scriptures. The idea of her soul being in heaven while her body was on earth is also preposterous; when God breathed into man’s nostrils he became a living soul, before that he did not live, and when that was taken away his body died; and so did our Savior when the spirit left the body; nor did his body live until his spirit returned in the power of his resurrection: but Mrs. Wilkinson’s soul, [life] was in heaven and her body without the soul [or life] on earth, living [without the soul, or] without life.

The Irvingites, are a people that have counterfeited the truth perhaps the nearest of any of our modern sectarians; they commenced about ten years ago in the city of London in England. They have churches formed in various parts of England and Scotland and some few in Upper Canada. Mr. Irving, their founder, was a learned and talented minister of the church of Scotland; he was a great logician, and a powerful orator; but withal wild and enthusiastic in his views. Moving in the higher circles, and possessing talent and zeal, placed him in a situation to become a conspicuous character, and to raise up a society similar to that which is called after his name.

The Irvingites have apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and angels. They profess to have the gift of tongues and the interpretation of tongues: and in some few instances to the gift of healing.

The first prophetic spirit that was manifested was in some Miss Campbells, that Mr. Irving met with while on a journey in Scotland; they had [what is termed among their sect,] “utterances;” – which were evidently of a supernatural agency. Mr. Irving falling into the common error of considering all supernatural manifestations to be of God; took them to London with him, and introduced them into his church.

They there were honored as the prophetesses of God, and when they spoke Mr. Irving, or any of his ministers had to keep silence; they were peculiarly wrought upon before the congregation, and had strange utterances, uttered with an unnatural, shrill voice and with thrilling intonations; they frequently made use of a few broken unconnected sentences that were ambiguous, incoherent, and incomprehensible; at other times they were more clearly understood. They would frequently cry out, “There is iniquity! There is iniquity!” And Mr. Irving has been led under the influence of this charge to fall down upon his knees before the public congregation and to confess his sin, not knowing whether he had sinned, nor wherein; nor whether the thing referred to him, or somebody else. During these operation the bodies of the persons speaking were powerfully wrought upon, their countenances were distorted, they had frequent twitchings in their hands, and the whole system was powerfully convulsed at intervals; they sometimes however (it is supposed) spoke in correct tongues, and had true interpretations.

Under the influence of this spirit the church was organized by these women; apostles, prophets &c., were soon called, and a systematic order of things introduced, as above mentioned. A Mr. Baxter (afterwards one of the principal prophets) upon going into one of their meetings, says, I saw a power manifested and thought that it was the power of God, and asked that it might fall upon me; it did so and I began to prophesy. Eight or nine years ago, they had about sixty preachers going through the streets of London, testifying that London was to be the place where the ‘two witnesses,’ spoken of by John was to prophecy: that (they) ‘the church and the spirit’ were the witnesses, and that at the end of three years and a half there was to be an earthquake and great destruction, and our savior was to come.

Their apostles were collected together at the appointed time watching the event; but Jesus did not come, and the prophesy was then ambiguously explained away. They frequently had signs given them by the spirit, to prove to them that what was manifested to them should take place. Mr. Baxter related an impression that he had concerning a child. It was manifested to him that he should visit the child, and lay hands upon it, and that it should be healed: – and to prove to him that this was of God, he should meet his brother in a certain place who should speak unto him certain words; his brother addressed him precisely in the way and manner that the manifestation designated; the sign took place, – but when he laid his hands on the child it did not recover. I cannot vouch for the authority of the last statement as Mr. Baxter at that time had left the Irvingites, but it is in accordance with many of their proceedings, and the thing never has been attempted to be denied.

It may be asked where is there any thing in all this that is wrong?

1st. The church was organized by women and ‘God placed in the church first apostles, secondarily prophets;’ and not first women; but Mr. Irving placed in his church first women; secondarily apostles; and the church was founded and organized by them. A woman has no right to found or organize a church; God never sent them to do it.

2nd. Those women would speak in the midst of a meeting and rebuke Mr. Irving, or any of the church: now the scripture positively says, ‘thou shalt not rebuke an elder, but entreat him as a father;’ no only this but they frequently accused the brethren, thus placing themselves in the seat of satan who is emphatically called ‘the accuser of the brethren.’

3rd. Mr. Baxter received the spirit on asking for it without attending to the ordinances, and began to prophesy, whereas the scriptural way of attaining the gift of the Holy Ghost is by baptism, and by laying on of hands.

4th. As we have stated in regard to others the spirit of the prophets, are subject to the prophets; but those prophets were subject to the spirits; the spirit controlling their bodies at pleasure.

But it may be asked how Mr. Baxter could get a sign from a second person! To this we would answer that Mr. Baxter’s brother was under the influence of the same spirit as himself; and being subject to that spirit, he could be easily made to speak to Mr. Baxter whatever the spirit should dictate; but there was not power in the spirit to heal the child.

Again it may be asked how it was that they could speak in tongues if they were of the devil? We would answer that they could be made to speak in another tongue as well as in their own as they were under the control of that spirit, and the devil can tempt the Hottentot, the Turk, the Jew, or any other nation; and if these men were under the influence of his spirit they of course could speak Hebrew, Latin, Greek, Italian, Dutch, or any other Language that the devil knew.

Some will say ‘try the spirits’ by the word. ‘Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: and every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God.’ John IV, 2, 3. One of the Irvingites once quoted this passage whilst under the influence of a spirit, and then said, “I confess that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh.’ And yet these prophesies failed, their Messiah did not come; and the great things spoken of by them have fallen to the ground. What is the matter here? Did not the apostle speak the truth?

Certainly he did – but he spoke to a people who were under the penalty of death, the moment they embraced Christianity; and no one without a knowledge of the fact would confess it and expose themselves to death: and this was consequently given as a criterion to the church or churches to which John wrote. But the devil on a certain occasion cried out, “I know thee who art the ‘Holy one of God’. Here was a frank acknowledgement under other circumstances, – that ‘Jesus had come in the flesh.’ On another occasion the devil said ‘Paul we know, and Jesus we know;’ of course come in the flesh. No man or sect of men without the regular constituted authorities, the priesthood and discerning of spirits can tell true, from false spirits. This power they possessed in the apostles’ day, but it has departed from the world for ages.

The church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints have also had their false spirits; and as it is made up of all those different sects professing every variety of opinion, and having been under the influence of so many kinds of spirits, it is not to be wondered at if there should be found amongst us false spirits.

Soon after the gospel was established in Kirtland, and during the absence of the authorities of the church, many false spirits were introduced, many strange visions were seen, and wild enthusiastic notions were entertained; men run out of doors under the influence of this spirit, and some of them got upon the stumps of trees and shouted, and all kinds of extravagances were entered into by them: one man pursued a ball that he said he saw flying in the air, until he came to a precipice when he jumped into the top of a tree which saved his life, and many ridiculous things were entered into, calculated to bring disgrace upon the church of God; to cause, the spirit of God to be withdrawn; and to uproot and destroy those glorious principles which had been developed for the salvation of the human family. But when the authorities returned the spirit was made manifest, those members that were exercised with it were tried for their fellowship; and those that would not repent and forsake it were cut off.

At a subsequent period a Shaker spirit was on the point of being introduced, and at another time the Methodist and Presbyterian falling-down power; but the spirit was rebuked, and put down, and those who would not submit to rule and good order, were disfellowshipped. We have also had brethren and sisters who have had the gift of tongues falsely: they would speak in a muttering, unnatural voice, and their bodies be distorted like the Irvingites before alluded to; whereas there is nothing unnatural in the spirit of God. A circumstance of this kind took place in Upper Canada, but was rebuked by the presiding elder – another, a woman near the same place professed to have the discerning of spirits, and begun to accuse another sister of things that she was not guilty of, which she said she knew was so by the spirit, – but was afterwards proven to be false – she placed herself in the capacity of the ‘accuser of the brethren’ – and no person through the discerning of spirits can bring a charge against another, they must be proven guilty by positive evidence, or they stand clear.

There have also been ministering angels in the church which were of satan appearing as an angel of light: – A sister in the State of New York had a vision who said it was told her that if she would go to a certain place in the woods an angel would appear to her, – she went at the appointed time and saw a glorious personage descending arrayed in white, with sandy colored hair; he commenced and told her to fear God and said that her husband was called to do great things, but that he must not go more than one hundred miles from home or he would not return; whereas God had called him to go to the ends of the earth; and he has since been more than one thousand miles from home, and is yet alive. Many true things were spoken by this personage and many things that were false. – How it may be asked was this know to be a bad angel? By the color of his hair; that is one of the signs that he can be known by, and by his contradicting a former revelation.

We have also had brethren and sisters that have had written revelations, and have started forward to lead this church. Such was a young boy in Kirtland – Isaac Russell of Mo. And Gladdon Bishop, and Oliver Olney of Nauvoo. The boy is now living with his parents, who have submitted to the laws of the church Mr. Russell stayed in Far West, from whence he was to go to the Rocky mountains, led by three Nephites, but the Nephites never came and his friends forsook him all but some of his blood relations, who have since been nearly destroyed by the mob. Mr. Bishop was tried by the high council his papers examined, condemned, and burned, and he cut off from the church; he acknowledged the justice of the decision and said “that he now saw his error; for if he had have been governed by the revelations given before he might have known that no man was to write revelation for the church but Joseph Smith,” and begged to be prayed for and forgiven by the brethren. Mr. Olney has also been tried by the high council and disfellowshiped because he would not have his writings tested by the word of God; evidently proving that he loves darkness rather than light because his deeds are evil.

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I was so very glad to read of the report of the star being seen from several continents. This is exciting news. As a child, I had a vision of it. And it is why I am so unbelievably happy. It does turn out different than any religious or spiritual path has taught or thought of though… Including the LDS.

I will be happy to go home. This earth and it’s people stink right now. From spiritualists who believe they have the answers yet still are as blind as the politicians, in which both are proud and greedy, whom countless people have suffered at their hands.

It states in scripture that one should not rob of another, for the other has not robbed. But surely I say, ye have. For the 30,000,000 billion dollars of assets that ye have taken to hide up, using my scripture as your premise for doing so, has been the down fall of many, even unto death. Surely, clear spiritual eyes may see the robbing of life. Thus, the last righteous fall of the latter days has been closed. Ye no longer are my chosen people, that my words may flow through you, that my way may be procured – for you have destroyed the true living word and spirit, in which ye will not recognize.

Peace be in these days. That the Fathers final judgement places away your pride, humbles your heart, that it may grieve it’s sin, feel it’s shame, and learn once again to love your brothers and sisters through love that is real.

Little Birdie with a big, real name and purpose.

This world is going to be shocked at the truth. Including the LDS.

I will simply be happy to go home.

The fifth element is tired of your hatred and your actions of hate.

love always

“Father, must I give the last scriptures to them? Of all people?”

“It is for our 3rd coming, love. So, yes. To three. The ground, the church, and the other foundation.”

“Yes Father. If I must.”

“Walk on Liahona. We are almost finished here.”

Bowing head with a work to do, that none will understand accept for the Father.

While I agree with the basic idea here of the importance of “trying the spirits,” there are some misconceptions here that could lead to big misunderstandings. I kind of feel like Snopes right now.

This may be a dangerous confession to make in any Mormon setting, but I read the Nation pretty regularly (should I be telling my bishop?), and there are accusations here against it that simply are not true. The Nation is not owned by the Democratic Party. The Nation in fact takes issue with the Democratic Party in many instances. To be sure, it is an unabashedly left-leaning news magazine, and I disagree with them often. I do not use them as my single source of information, but they are at least open about their biases.

The other point is that the article mentioned here is not an article, it’s an ad that Share international obviously paid to have published, most likely in multiple magazines. The Nation, like most news magazines, does rely on advertising as well as subscriptions to pay the rent. Inclusion does not mean endorsement. And the Nation seems to me to be primarily secular humanist (one of my disagreements with them), not Buddhist, though members of many different faiths have written for them (and apparently paid for ads as well).

I appreciate onewhoiswatching’s concern, but I just don’t see in this anything of special significance. Just another “New Agey” type cult like the ones mentioned in the post, as well as countless others in our own time. I am grateful for religious freedom that allows groups like this to pop up, because while it might mean the promulgation of false spirits, it also means the truth can be discussed.

To clarify, I was just passing on the information that my friend passed on to me. I am not personally familiar with “The Nation” magazine. He told me it was put out by the Democratic Party. If his characterization is inaccurate I apologize for passing it on. I’ll check into it and modify that statement if you are correct. (I have no reason to doubt you.)

Also, although he led me to believe that it was an article, or simply a news item, I did mention that it could have been a paid advertisement. To me, it is still significant that they would accept something like this to advertise.

Lastly and most importantly, shame on your for reading a left wing rag like that… you should be reported to your bishop! lol

Did you know that the New Age is the last of the seven churches to be established on earth before His coming?

You guys are going to be shocked that a part of their higher truths are equal to, and hold as much value in the kingdom as the higher truths of christianity, and just as equal to and holding as much truth as the other five churches on the earth. You guys are going to be overwhelming shocked that out of the 13 million LDS members, most will deny the fullness of the truth. And only the ones that can equally accept the highest truths of the other churches as equally as to their own, will be found in the highest degree of glory in heaven. For the highest most loving truths of the seven churches combined equate the fullness of understanding of heaven. It literally all will make sense. No joke. Not kidding. It explains polygamy in the second degree of the highest heaven (celestial kingdom) and why it is that the homosexuality of the new age will be accepted. It will blow your mind. I had a hard time accepting it at first, because of the teachings of the church. However I learned once it was revealed to me, that the kingdom literally wouldn’t work without it. And once logically looking at it, beyond everything I have been taught that has been given to the earth thus far through previous prophets, it literally has to be, for everything to work properly. Yet I tell you this, polygamy in the highest degree of glory; the highest kingdom of the celestial kingdom, is not an option. As to enter the highest degree of glory, there must be a return to the original “One” or “whole” in which was originally created- one man and one woman.

That will be a shocker for the LDS, big time. Yet it is the truth…

Yes, the LDS are going to have a lot to overcome in the way of their spiritual understanding, in order to enter all that which they have worked so hard for.

As in the end, all of this is about one thing.

Love, which is understanding for all.

Getting excited. Today I heard a song while visiting an island. “Not me”. For the longest time I have been saying “Not me”, “I don’t want to deliver this Father.” However, He has kept on very clearly. Always gentle and always kind. And now, I am simply looking forward to finally getting it all out. Everything He has filled my understanding with. I can’t believe that during these times, as disturbing as they have grown with the animosity between each other; from churches to political affiliations, the truth of all of it is the only thing to lay to rest the animosity and bring peace and acceptance to and for all. It is absolutely amazing, and I am so thankful.

So, stop squabling over who is right and who is wrong. Get off the LDS horse and start plainly just loving others. Hold your standards, however it is time to grow beyond them. Understanding is a part of unconditional love, which is required for the heaven you seek.

And without it – without total obedience to love, which is total freedom; ye shall not enter.
😉

Be prepared for the third writings with the most love, in which the church does not hold, and the words will not flow through your prophets heart, mind and hand.

Heavenly Father is grafting in the branches, Troy. He is bringing these writings through the good descendants of the lamanites that were originally left to populate this nation. Over time, a portion of my people came to know Christ because of the actions of one of my direct ancestors – the woman responsible for guiding the first white men to the west – Sacajewa. It is that from this action, the LDS could find their way west, bringing Joseph Smith and his lineage to where it would reside. From this time period, and for the next generations it is that the Joseph Smith Lineage and the Sacajewa lineage have been crossing each others paths; learning of each other, accepting each other, having the truth brought to us, and healing the contentions of the past between the civilized and the blind. It is now that such has happened – and the lineages have married one with the other. And the direct ancestors of these two individuals; Joseph Smith and Sacajewa – are to lead the future as they have lead in the past.

It is said that merely 70,000 will recognize the truth. My hope is that it would be all people. However that is my heart as it always has been. Thank you for looking beyond the spiritual paradigms of today, for the further truth. This does relieve my heart greatly. You may not recognize fully the spirit of truth from me when I am approaching the LDS. I too am LDS, baptized as I was meant to be in the most true church on earth. However, it has fallen. And I am to say, that because of their hardened hearts they are going to be approached more directly by the hands of the spirit. That they may read and understand their own failings, to promote no longer the denial of them, and rightly make their path again. I have been instructed that I am to give the writings to three – the prophet, the father of another foundation in which the new age has been solidified through, and the ground. That those who are here beyond the second coming for the thousand years, may have genuine guidance. Again, only 70,000 will be taken with HIm.

Can you not understand what a responsibility this is? Can you not understand the difficulty within it? Can you not understand the human feelings I might have in having to do something so hard, plus it being delivered through a woman? During the most severity of the last days now and forth coming, after all the engraining that I have had that women are not capable, and were not meant for such things? Can you not understand? Yet, Heavenly Father has made it very clear that there is a huge purpose in this. One of the most important purposes. So, to those whom much is given much is required, and I must carry forward no matter if you believe me or not.

“The truth is the truth, and I will deny it not.” Even in the face of adversity and the disbelieving. It is that I must carry forward, for the love of all. And most importantly, for the greater love in which God has filled me. For His glory is my obligation because He is my God, who has given me all things. I do these things for Him, and His love for His people.

“Can you not understand what a responsibility this is? Can you not understand the difficulty within it? Can you not understand the human feelings I might have in having to do something so hard, plus it being delivered through a woman? During the most severity of the last days now and forth coming, after all the engraining that I have had that women are not capable, and were not meant for such things? Can you not understand?”

I think I understand Birdie;

“Joannah Southcot professed to be a prophetess and wrote a book of prophesies in 1804: she became the founder of a people that are now extant; she was to bring forth in a place appointed a son that was to be the Messiah, which thing has failed. Independent of this however, where do we read of a woman that was the founder of a church in the word of God? Paul told the women in his day “to keep silence in the church, and that if they wished to know any thing to ask their husbands at home;” he would not suffer a woman “to rule, or to usurp authority in the church;” but here we find a woman the founder of a church, the revelator and guide, the Alpha and Omega, contrary to all acknowledged rule, principle, and order.” Joseph Smith, Prophet, Seer & Revelator

I am not trying to belittle your claims or the truths that you have accepted. I pray that when the time comes to make a choice that I will have the strength and humility to make the right choice, even if that choice is atypical and abnormal.

Your last post seemed to clarify a little what you feel your responsibility is. Your first couple of posts really didn’t “say” anything to me. I frankly couldn’t understand what information you were trying to impart except to “love” (which I understand is CRUCIAL).

I also think that the decedents of the lamanites have a great role to play in the future before the coming of Christ is Glory. While some have fallen away from the truth, there are many that still hold to spiritual truths. I think the prophecies of the Hopi people are fascinating and I think that there is much truth in them. (This would make a great subject for an article on this blog I think).

These people (lamanites) are pure “house of Israel” and many scriptures say that in the end the gentiles will fall and the HOI will retake their rightfull place at the head. I believe that this is true.

Don’t feel that I am instigating or making light of your feelings or concerns, but also don’t expect people to think that you have a “great role” until you actually clarify what you are saying and until you have actually written enough content for people to make a decision on.

Your first two posts did not clarify anything for me.

One more thing: are you saying that Joseph Smith’s posterity and Sacajewa’s posterity joined out west in the Utah area?

Hi Anthony
I stumbled across your blog on LDS BLOGS. I thought you mighe be interested in a site my wife and I just built called MormonsMadeSimple.com, which uses simple, explanatory videos to explain the Mormon faith. Feel free to feature any of these videos on your blog, or just share them with non-member friends. We’re hoping these videos will be missionary tools to help members share their beliefs. Anyway, sorry to spam your comments section. I couldn’t find any contact information for you on your blog.

It is not the writings on any portion of the internet that will clear the way for understanding. For sacred inspiration born of the Father is made manifest in the depths of solitude where the Father may speak freely to the heart, and the heart in turn may bring to fruition the words of the Father with; time, the desire to fulfill his will, and the action required to do so.

You are correct in stating that LOVE is literally the message that I am to deliver. I am glad that with your developed spiritual eyes thus far, you may recognize at minimum, such a message.

I need not your approval or even your belief in my words. It is simply my position according to the Father to 1. inform all that the writings will be delivered in his normal fashion – through a book of history and future prophecy, preparing the way for those left to earth and it’s devices after the 2nd coming and before the 3rd, and 2. to secure the writings in written fashion, and 3. to deliver them according to their rightful destination.

It is not my position to convince any to come unto Him, for the time is grown past for such, in which the world holds the knowledge and the testimony of the truth. The time has grown to prepare those for the gathering, the coming and our departure. In which to prepare the people, eternal truths must be let loose in order to increase the understanding necessary, that one may be prepared to willingly step into the coming for the rest of the education of Heaven, on the other side.

It is your sole obligation to trust or not to trust. It is not my obligation to beg for your trust. For in the purest form of love, trust is not a thing to be understood, for trust simply is. For without it, total obedience could not equal total freedom. And the total obedience we are to have, is to Love.

Yes. In the west the posterity of the smith lineage and the sacajewa lineage joined together. Not for just an eternity. For all eternities…

It was not in Utah. It was in Idaho. The Smith lineage was scattered according to the Fathers will. There are reasons and purposes for this, as the Father knew what would occur within the church, that would cause the church to error. And even it’s error is an honor. the perfection of it all causes my heart so often to be so filled. I can not wait for the rejoicing to be had, in the hearts who simply love; and love truth. Upon sight of such spiritual understandings, it is no wonder that we would be lifted.

And I will tell you, to see Heaven is to be upon your knees because of it’s magnitude, and the opportunities within it. It is beyond anything that can be earthly described.

It is so interesting to me that Satan uses so much truth mixed with error to spread apostasy. The only way to navigate the whole mess is by relying 100% on study and prayer, relying on the Spirit of God. It is really no wonder that so many are deceived.

OWIW-If women are to keep silent during church why do I have to give talks and teach lessons? I’m only half joking. It does appear that that passage was really talking about “ruling” but the whole “be silent at church & ask your hubby at home” part really throws me. It is interesting to me that the JST of those passages replaces “not permitted to speak” with “not permitted to rule” and takes out the commanded wording. To me those are incredibly different things.
We do find prophetesses in the scriptures-Miriam, Deborah, Hulda, Anna. So I really don’t see the problem of a woman prophesying as long as they don’t claim to hold the office of prophet of the/a church. And during the foundation movement there were times that many prophesied-including women. Further, Deborah was a judge of Isreal and helped deliver her people from the Canaanites. What does that mean?
There are false female prophets and false male prophets. Can we dismiss a prophesy based soley on the mouth it comes from? I am speaking in general.

I hope I am not getting too far off on a tangent. This just seems to touch a nerve with me and I am struggling to understand the true intent of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Another scary scripture is Matthew 24:24
And there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
The JST reads:
23 For in those days, there shall also arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if possible, they shall deceive the very elect, who are the elect according to the covenant.
24 Behold, I speak these things unto you for the elect’s sake.

Wow, these false prophets are going to be very convincing with signs and wonders. Not raving lunatics that are easily dismissed. We have been warned, but will we heed the warning?

Another question I have is of Nephi and Abraham. Did they try the spirit that commanded them to kill? We don’t have documentation that they did. I am not asking in order to judge their actions, but to see what I should be learning from their stories. Would it show a lack of faith to say “let me study, fast and pray on that and get back to you?” I couldn’t feel comfortable doing otherwise!

You bring up some great questions and observations. I sure wish I knew all the answers.

BTW great catch on the JST version of the scripture about women speaking in church…. I hadn’t caught that one before!

“It is interesting to me that the JST of those passages replaces “not permitted to speak” with “not permitted to rule” and takes out the commanded wording. To me those are incredibly different things.”

““It is interesting to me that the JST of those passages replaces “not permitted to speak” with “not permitted to rule” and takes out the commanded wording. To me those are incredibly different things.”

Truthseekertoo and onewhoiswatching,

Both posts smile my heart this morning. There is but openness in your hearts, to possibility with a still and watchful *positive* awareness. It is indeed a beautiful thing for so many profound reasons.

Regarding the noted differences within the text you mention: is it a possibility that such a thing would be mentioned, the inability to rule, for simplicity of the very nature that none rule accept for God? For even through man, it is not mans hands but Gods. Therefore no man, no woman, no creature ruleth upon any plane; accept it be to glorify and manifest the works of the spirit of God within.

It is not a curious nature that such wording would be changed. Is it a possibility there was not an error? For how could error ever occur in any part of Gods plan? Even amidst a negative spirit, in which the Father knew what would become of it. Is it a possibility that such wording for the times was for a greater purpose?

Did you know that it is literally because of woman, that all things exist? Everything. For while God created the Heavens and the Earth, Goddess was His inspiration for all things. This was in the days that God and Goddess were in spirit, and the plan was unveiled to Him. Yet amidst the Goddess and Her desires for all of mankind, God had but one desire for Himself. Her, and Her love for solely Him and none other. He gave Her this eternity of Heaven and Earth, that she may experience the love swelling within Her spirit, for Her children. And through Her love for all, His love deepened to the purest of form; in loving Her, Her desires and Her children. He gave to Her the entirety of Heaven and Earth, that His love would be.

And in His unveiling of all things to come, He saw the fall of Woman. And it was perfect. He saw the generations unfold and their eternal progression. He saw that in the midst of Her desires, she would turn Her eyes solely unto Him upon the beginning of the completion of Her work. He saw Her children upon Earth in similitude of Her. The daughters turning from His desires for greater personal desires. And then turning from their greater desires, to live solely to be of pleasure within His sight. Yet in the fall of woman and for His greater work, He prepared they way. In that we learn to listen unto righteous things before we speak. To learn to listen, we most learn to stop in our speech. And upon the rise of the daughters greater personal desires, there would rise a portion of the daughters speaking against that which was not of eternal nature among them. For in the quiet of woman’s held voice, a generation was raised in understanding of Gods higher purposes. These daughters, these children, in similitude of their Heavenly Mother, would turn the necks of the worlds people towards righteous living in the last day. To bare witness to the return of Gods original desires for Himself and hence for Her sons. That they may be willingly served by these daughters as Gods, loved as Gods, and uplifted to their proper designation as the source of all reasons for living; as the Goddess and daughter were uplifted in beginning. And in doing so, daughters and Goddess finds the original love from which She and they were born, as the perfect source of Her and their happiness – in which serving Him in any way God desires is Her pure desire.

He gave to us that which we most desired, in turn receiving all that He desired. And in the fullness of the last days upon completion of the work, in similitude of the Goddess, the eve shall return to Her Adam.

Woman has experienced her silencing for her benefit. She has experienced her freedom for her self confidence in choice. The tides are turning as we witness the decline of society through the liberation of the women’s will, even and especially within the church. In which it is time for self choice of woman to return to loving and serving Adam willingly, with all our mind, heart and strength amidst and with the knowledge provided in the latter days, in order to please Him and them.

Interesting how everything comes together, and what once was perceived as error actually fits into the puzzle perfectly.

Looking through all of these comments, with so many different views on the Gospel, I would just like to suggest that, before dwelling on ultimately insignificant (although fascinating) , one should ponder and study those doctrines that regard what this life is about, Growth. We should all strive to perfect our hearts before attempting to embrace doctrines our minds may not be able to comprehend. Remember that the Lord will open our minds and our hearts if we are ready and willing to give of the only thing that is truly ours, our Agency, to him by following His commandments and following in His example.

you’ll notice that all the so-called maitreyas who have come forward do not fulfill these prophecies. many of the conditions in these prophecies are met, but not yet all of them. as long as people do not study prophecies and take them literally they will be deceived. I am reminded of parley pratt’s “a voice of warning and instruction to all people”

“And the moment they departed from its literal meaning, one man’s opinion, or interpretation, was just as good as anothers; all were clothed with equal authority, and from thence arose all the darkness and misunderstanding on these points; which have agitated the world for the last seventeen hundred years.

O ye inhabitants of New York, ye people of the United States; and finally I appeal to all of every nation, tongue, and people; you have many commodities for sale, which attract the attention, and are very desirable; but there is one thing, for which you would give more than for any other which has been presented to you. A something which, if once obtained, would greatly assist in obtaining all other things worth possessing, whether it were power, wealth, riches, honours, thrones, or dominions. Comparatively few have ever possessed it, although it was within the reach of many others, but they were either not aware of it, or did not know its value. It has worked wonders, for the few who have possessed it. Some it enabled to escape from drowning, while every soul who did not possess it was lost in the mighty deep. Others, it saved from famine, while thousands perished all around them; by it, men have often been raised to dignity in the State; yea, more, some have been raised to the thrones of Empires. The possession of it has sometimes raised men from the dungeon to a palace. And there are instances in which those that possessed it. were delivered from the flames, while cities were consumed, and every soul, themselves excepted, perished. Frequently when a famine, or the sword, has destroyed a city or nation, they alone who possessed it escaped unhurt. By this time, the reader inquires, what can that thing be? inform me, and I will purchase it, even at the sacrifice of all I possess on earth. Well, kind reader, this treasure is foreknowledge! a knowledge of things future! Let a book be published in this city, entitled a knowledge of the future, and let the inhabitants be really convinced that it did give a certain, definite knowledge of future events; so that its pages, unfolded the future history of the nations, and of many great events, as the history of Greece or Rome does unfold the past, and a large edition would immediately sell at, a great sum per copy: indeed, they would be above all price. Now, kind reader, the books of the Prophets and the spirit of prophesy were intended for this very purpose. Well did the apostle say, covet earnestly the best gifts; but rather that ye prophesy.”